Announced in Auckland this afternoon by Māori Rugby Board Chair, Dr Farah Palmer, the squad features three new caps among a number of experienced players who have previously had the honour of pulling on the jersey.

Cooper is looking forward to bringing the players together in Rotorua, along with the management team, to face the Lions.

“We’ve got a very exciting group coming together to experience this special and rare occasion. The majority of us have been working together over the past couple of years so we already have an understanding of each other and clarity around what we’re looking to achieve.”

Cooper said the magnitude of the match was huge and representing the country, New Zealand Rugby and Māoridom was always front of mind for the Māori All Blacks.

“Knowing the ground will be full for the match, and getting a feel for the support that’s coming from the Rotorua community in hosting us, along with the rest of New Zealand around the Series and the match itself is exciting.

“We’re very much looking forward to bringing our whānau together over the weekend to start focusing on how we’re going to present ourselves to the Lions, and the world, as the Māori All Blacks.

These two sides last met in 2005, when the Māori All Blacks upset the touring British and Irish Lions 19-13 at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton.